Burial casket



Jan. 20, 1953 s, RICHMOND 2,625,731

BURIAL CASKET Filed March 15, 1950 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 IN VEN TOR.

' 49 -s f? h d 5 am 1:: man y a 48 S. RICHMOND Jan. 20, 1953 BURIAL CASKET 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed March 15, 1950 I my. 20.

' I INVENTOR.

5am R'chmona' Patented Jan. 20, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BURIAL CASKET Sam Richmond, Newtown, Ohio, assignor to The Edwards Manufacturing 00., Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application March 15, 1950, Serial No. 149,668

8 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to improvements in the sealing of burial caskets to exclude air, water, vermin and other foreign substances therefrom.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a highly effective casket sealing means of greater dependability than others heretofore proposed, while at the same time substantially reducing the cost of sealing the burial casket.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel method and means whereby a burial casket may be promptly and effectively sealed at the close of funeral services, with the expenditure of a minimum amount of time and effort on the part of the funeral director or his assistant.

Another object is to greatly simplify as well as expedite the sealing of burial caskets, with elimination of manipulative skill for proper closing of the casket.

The foregoing and other objects are attained by the means described herein and illustrated upon the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a burial casket incorporating the sealing means of the invention, and showing an endless resilient gasket or sealing element partly applied to the circumferential joint between the casket body and the lid of the casket.

Fig. 2 is a fragmental cross-sectional view of the casket when sealed, the section line being at right angles to the major axis or" the casket, to

show the sealing means in operative protective relationship to the lid hinges and latches.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing only half the width of the casket, with a modified form of sealing means applied thereto.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing element or gasket, distinguished from that of Fig. 3 by the incorporation of a reinforcing spine or core piece.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing a modification.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5, showing another modification.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, showing still I another modification.

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of several examples of sealing elements or gaskets which might be applied to burial caskets in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing only half of the width of the casket, incorporating a substantially triangular form of gasket.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 7, showing a triangular form of gasket sealing the joint between the casket body and the lid.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but distinguished therefrom in that the hinged edge of the structure'is shown, with the seal effected by means of a triangular gasket.

Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of a casket lid of the sectional type, including a head section and a foot section, and which may be applied to the casket body of Fig. 1 to provide a half couch efiect.

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14, showing an alternative form of lid in which the sections meet at a sealed diagonal joint intermediate the ends of the casket.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken on line lfil6 of Fig. 14.

Fig. 17 is a fragmental side elevational view of a sectional casket lid such as Fig. 15 shows, illustratmg a means of effecting a tight seal between the sections.

Fig. 18 is a iragmental side elevational view of a sectional casket lid such as Fig. 14 shows, illustratlng a means of eiiecting a tight seal between the sections.

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary elevational view of a spring wire reinforced sealing element or gasket.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary elevational view of a sealing element or gasket incorporating a core of limited stretch-ability.

Throughout the following specification, the term "110. is used to indicate the whole cover which is applied for closing the casket, whether such cover is made as one single part or a multiplicity of parts. The lid sometimes is made as a single stamping of metal, or as a slab of some other suitable material, but is often made up of a cap such as It secured to a circumferential moulding, the two parts when assembled being commomy referred to as the top, or lid, of the casket. Hereinafter, the whole unit WhlCn serves a a closure member for the casket, is referred to as the lid, irrespective of the manner in which it is fabricated or assembled.

Prior to this invention, various efforts and proposals had been advanced from time to time, directed toward practical and effective sealing of burial caskets. The chief purpose, of course, was to protect the contents of the casket against premature decay or destruction. The prior structures, or the few of them which have met with any public acceptance, have enjoyed only a limited measure of successful exploitation, for various reasons. Usually, the sealing type of casket was expensive, and therefore outside the financial means of many prospective purchasers. The present invention obviates the high cost of this type of casket. As another factor limiting the general usage of the sealing type of casket, there was the difiiculty of securing the lid tightly to the casket body, within the short time interval occurring between the final viewing of the corpse at the funeral service, and the transporting of the casket to the cemetery or final resting place. It is necessary that the final closing of the casket be performed carefully, to ensure proper sealing, yet the closing must be completed with despatch. The present invention obviates all of the objections mentioned, as well as others commonly identified with scalable caskets. Whereas art.

Referrin to Fig. l, the parts of the burial in the past, efforts to obviate the objections invariably resulted in'the employment of complex mechanical structures, the present invention solves the sealing problems with the use of means extraordinarily simple of character, yet apparently unobvious to improvers in the burial casket casket illustrated by way of example, are: the body l2, having an upper circumferential rim I3; a lid l4 hinged to the body along one of its longitudinal edges, and having likewise acircumferential rim [5; a cap for the lid, indicated at l6; nd the usual carrying handles 11 of any known or acceptable type, applied at opposite sides of the casket body and commonly at the ends also. As illustrated by the detail view of Fig. 2, the hinge l8 for the lid has its leaves l9 and 20 welded or otherwise secured to the rims l3 and I5. At the front of the casket, the-rims preferably are furnished with any suitable latching or locking means to hold the lid firmly closed upon the casket body rim. A common latching means is indicated at 2|, consisting of a stud anchored to the lid rim and having a bulbous head 22 adapted for frictional engagement with a resilient hair-pin shaped keeper 24, mounted inside the body rim adjacent to a rim opening 23 through which the head 22 projects. The particular form of the latch is wholly immaterial to the present invention, the only requirement being that the latch is located inwardly of the outer rim edges, for a reason which will be explained.

The sealing element for'the joint -formed'between the body rim and'the lid rim when the casket is closed, consists of a resilient or rubberlike length of material to be fitted'to the joint after final closing of the casket. 'In "themost desirable arrangement, the sealing element is made in the form of an endless resilient band or ring 27, so dimensioned as toleng'th,'tlia't'itrequires stretching in order "to overlie "the -rim joint all around the casket. The sealing" element may be applied in'the manner suggestedbyl ig; 1, wherein one end'porti'on 'of th'e 'e'ndlessban'd is shown covering the joint al'ong'the'right "end of the casket, whereasthe"portion"at"the 'l'e'ftremains to be stretched and 'slipped'oventhe lid rim to seatingpo's'ition upon the joint. I Fig.2 illustrates the seated 'o'r operative position of the sealing element '21. It will b'enoted that 4 wherein a lid in one or more parts requires sealing to the casket body. The type of casket known in the trade as a sealer, utilizing transparent interior panels and sometimes a complete ing member 30 is of substantial U-shape in crosssection. The legs 3i-3l of the U embrace the outwardly projecting flanges 3232 of the rims 33 and 3 5 of the lid and the casket body, respectively. When the lid is closed, the flanges meet in fiatwise contact all around the perimeter of the casket, to enter the groove between the legs of the sealing member. The width of the sealing member is accommodated between the ledges Bil-35 of the lid and body, which are spaced from the flanges 32-32 a distance approximating the thickness of the sealing member legs. As will be understood, the Sealing member 39 is preferably in the form of a band or ring adapted to fit about the casket in the manner of the Fig. l illustration.

As suggested by Fig. 4, the sealing member 30 may be reinforced by means of a spine piece or core 36 embedded therein or otherwise applied thereto. The spine piece may be in the form of a strap, as shown, or a cord or cable suitable for reinforcing as suggested by Fig. 9. The spine piece may be of steel, fabric, or other suitable material, and is preferably coextensive with the sealing material which surrounds it. As in Fig. 19, the reinforcement is a resilient coil spring wire 90, whereas in Fig. 20 it is a twisted or braided element 9| of wire, fabric, or other suitable material characterized by limited stretchability. The covering 92 in both instances is stretchable and impervious, and may have any cross-sectional shape herein suggested. In modified form, the sealing members which include spines or cores may be separable at one or more locations along the sealing element rests in a circumferential endlessgroove located along the joint formed by the meeting of the 'lid and "body rims. The groove, in the Fig. 2 example, is formed by oooperative concave recesses 28 and-2'9 pressed or otherwise formed in the outer edges of the lid and body rims, respectively. -When the sealing element 2'! is tightlyfitted into "the-groove all around the casket, after the-lid has been latched closed, no water or-other foreign -substance-can pass inwardly to the'latchesor hinge parts, and into the casket interior.

With the foregoing explanation, it :should readily be evident that an attendant charged with the duty of closing and sealing the casket, need only stretch the band 21 over the lid and into the sealing groove 28-29, whereupon the casket is effectively and immediately "sealed. The time required for performance of the entire seal-. ing operation, is ractically negligible.

Whereas the drawing shows'a full couch type.

of casket, it should be understood that the sealing means is applicable not only to full couches, but to half couches and other forms of caskets the length thereof, with the meeting ends of the sealing member and the spine piece joinable by means of a suitable connector. In any event, the sealing member will extend all around the casket and rest within a circumferential groove at the junction of the lid and body rim, under tension.

Fig. 5 shows a modification in which the sealing element 3'! is substantially square or rectangular in cross-section, and rests within a circumferential groove, the width of which groove is equally divided between the offsets -38 and 39 formed in the material of the lid rim and the body rim, respectively.

In Fig. 6, the sealing member 40 rests upon the flat upper face i of the body rim, but is supported upon the ledge formed by the offsets 42 and 43 pressed into the metal of the lid rim. When the lid is closed, the surfaces 4!, 42, 43 cooperate to form a circumferential groove all around the casket, in which the sealing member 40 rests while sealing the joint between the rims of the lid and the body of the casket.

Fig. '7 illustrates a reversal of the Fig. 6 construction, the ledge or seat i l-55 being formed in the metal of the casket body rim 46. The sealing member 4? in this case has its upper surface in flatwise contact upon the substantially flat under face of the lid rim.

Fig. 10 illustrates a sealing member of the general character shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, with a fiat spine piece or core 48 incorporated therein. In Fig. 9, the spine piece or core 59 is in the form of a wire, cord, or cable, and its function is to reinforce the rubber or rubber-like material of the sealing member. The half-round sealing member 50 of Fig. 8, may be used as a substitute for the full-round sealing member of Fig. 2, especially in the event that a more shallow groove is desired in the Fig. 2 organization.

In all of the drawing views, the characters 5| and 52 indicate circumferential flanges formed on the rim of the lid and the body of the casket interiorly thereof, to define the interiordimensions of the casket. These flanges usually support the interior trim, or otherwise aid in establishing the finish of the casket.

Referring now to Fig. 11, it is noted that the lid rim 54 carries on its under surface a downwardly and inwardly inclined ledge 55, whereas the body rim 5! carries a complementarily inclined ledge 56, the two ledges meeting at the parting line of the rims. The resultant angular groove, which extends peripherally of the casket, is adapted to receive the resilient ring or band 58 which in this instance is triangular in cross-section. One apex of the triangular form enters and seals the parting line joint, while the sides which include the apex angle rest firmly against the ledges 55 and 56.

A somewhat different situation obtains in the structure of Fig. 12, wherein the under face 59 of the lid rim is flat, and a ledge is formed only on the rim B0 of the casket body. The single ledge, indicated at 6|, is formed by flattening the upper outer corner of the body rim all around the casket, making the ledge meet the surface 59 at an acute angle as shown. The resilient band or ring 62 is adapted to seat in the angular groove formed between the Walls 59 and GI. The band or ring is substantially triangular in cross-section, and. one apex of the triangular form is forced into the joint between walls 59 and 6| as the band or ring is tensioned, while the sides which include said apex impinge against said Walls in flatwise contact.

Fig. 13 illustrates a reversal of the Fig. 12 structure, in that the oblique ledge 63, corresponding to ledge 6| of Fig. 12, is formed on the lid rim rather than on the rim of the casket body. The circumferential resilient band or ring 64 seals the joint between the rims in precisely the manner above explained with reference to Fig. 12. In order to show the relationship of the parts at the back of the casket, a hinge 6566 is applied to Fig. 13. The hinge leaves may be mounted upon the lid and body rims either interiorly or exteriorly of the casket, using any common'expedients such as welds, solder, rivets or other forms of fastening devices to effect the required connections. It should distinctly be regarded as immaterial to the present invention, whether the hinges be concealed within the structure of the casket, or exposed exteriorly thereof as represented in Fig. 13. One type of concealed hinge is illustrated at l8l 9-20 of Fig. 2. Those hinges which are shown in Figs. 2 and 13 are to be regarded as exemplary or typical only, since the caskets may be furnished with hinges of many different types. Some types of hinges commonly used upon burial caskets are separable, so that the casket lid may be disconnected and completely removed from the casket body. Piano hinges also are commonly employed. The present invention is applicable to burial caskets irrespective of the nature of their lid hinges, and also, irrespective of the-presence or absence of any hinges. 'ltzwill'be" understood that the band or ring gasket can be effectively applied after the lid has been closed upon the casket body, whether the lid had been swung closed about a hinge or merely placed bodily upon the casket rim without the aid of a hinge.

Reverting to the disclosure of Fig. 13, the band or circumferential gasket 64 may be applied initially while the lid is in the open position, and thereafter seated in its circumferential groove along ledge 63after the lid has been closed. An alternative method would be to remove the hinge pin 61 and disjoint the hinge as an aid to applying the gasket behind the exposed hinge; however, the most desirable procedure is to apply the gasket over the opened lid and then seat it in the groove subsequently to final closing of the lid.

It may here be noted that the resilient band type of gasket disclosed, is effective for sealing the circumferential joint of any casket 0f the type disclosed, whether the ends of the casket be angular, rounded, or elliptical in form. Also, the seal can be quickly and effectively established upon caskets of metal, Wood, plastic, or any other suitable material from which a casket might be fabricated. Such other suitable materials, for example, are pressed board, vitreous and ceramic materials, hydraulic and other cements, laminated sheets of various kinds, and various moldable compositions. The invention is applicable to burial vaults and similar receptacles, as well as to caskets.

The casket structures illustrated by Figs. 1 to 13 are of the type known as full couches. Other types well known in the industry, and to which the present invention is applicable, are the half couch type, the quarter drop type, the threequarter couch type, the inner sealer type, and the hinged cap type, among others. Some of the types just mentioned are provided with wings to be temporarily displaced for a fuller display of the remains lying within the casket. Such wings or displaceable elements will require gaskets of their own to establish a seal thereabout, but when the parts are finally replaced to the normal closed position, the casket may be sealed as hereinbefore explained. The presence of interiorly disposed foot panels to cover the lower portion of the body on display, presents no added sealing problem.

Certain types of caskets include lids which are divided transversely, as suggested by Figs. 14 and 15, and in such cases it is necessary to seal the joint between the lid sections. In Fig. 14, the characters 69 and 10 may indicate the head and foot sections of the lid, these sections usually being independently hinged along the back of the casket for individual movement to open and closed positions. Each section has an inner end wall, one of which is indicated at H of Fig. 16, and these end walls coincide when both lid sections are closed, requiring a gasket or impervious pad I2 snugly fitted between them to seal the transverse joint where the inner ends of the sections substantially meet. After the lid sections have been aligned in the closed position indicated by Fig. 14, they may be latched or otherwise secured to the top rim of the casket body, for example the casket 'body of Figs. 1 and 2, and thereafter the circumferential gasket may be applied to seal the joint between the casket body and the composite lid, as heretofore explained.

With respect to Fig. 15, showing a lid divided transversely by means of a diagonal joint, the type of gasket or impervious pad used between the adjacent end walls of the lid sections may walls thereof.

be substantially the same as .is-disclosedrat -12 of Figs. 14 and 16. Upon Fig. 1 5, the transverse gasket-is numbered 13, and the head and foot sections of the lid are indicated by the characters 14 and 15, respectively.

As will be understood, the transverse gaskets 1,2 and '73 may be formed otherwise than as the wide pads illustrated. For example, the transverse gaskets may be in the form of "narrow strips of rubber or other plastic-material spanning'on'e or both of the inner end walls of the lidsections. Alternatively, theinner endsof the lid sections may besealed togetherbyxmeansof a cement oradhesive material, and soured in alignment by means of clamps, screws, or fasteners of any acceptable form. InFig. 16, holes 16 to receive screws orother fasteners are shown provided in the end wall ll of one of the lid sections, it being understood that the other lid section would be similarly drilled to receive the screws or fasteners inserted through the holes 16. It is not necessary that the lid sections be hinged to the casket body, although in many instances they are mounted upon the casket body by means of hinges which are separable.

Fig.1? illustrates one of a number of means whereby the diagonally out lid sections 14 and 15 may be caused to seal and lock together automatically as the lid section 14 is lowered into alignment With lid section 75. The inner end walls of these lid sections are indicated at 11 and 18, and one of them, such as 18, may carry a gasket 13 such as Fig. 16 shows, for example. Wall 71 may carry a latch element 19 of prong orbarb formation, adapted to .en-

ter a slot 86 or equivalent opening in the-end wall 18 and the gasket supported thereon. -A

tapered edge 8! of the latch elementserves-as a wedge operating against the lower edge of opening 80, when the lid section 14 is dropped into the plane of lid section 1 5, to force the .end walls 11 and 18 toward one-anotherand against the gasket 13. If desired, the latch member may be provided with a notch 82 in its tapered edge, to engage the lower edge of opening 88 and thus hold the lid sections together, with the .gasket compressedbetween the inner end With the lid sections thusly joined to provide a unitary lid structure, the circumferential joint between the lid and the casket body may be sealed as heretofore 'explained.

It may here be noted that the latching structure of Fig. 17 is disclosed by way of example only, and that the sealand corinectionbetween the lid sections may be effected using other meansfor suitable character. Clamps of various types, adhesives, bolts, or other forms of .ta-stoners can be employed to jointhelid sections of Figs. 14 to 18, inclusive.

Fig. 18 illustrates a typical connection and seal for the transverse joint of -a :divided lid such as Fig. 14 shows. Here, in Fig. 18, the head and foot sections of the lid areindicated at-BSand 16, respectively, and section 69 isto be loweredto the level of section "lfl'to reachthe operative closing position upon a casket body. The sections have the usual .solid end walls :83 and 84. To one of the lid sections, preferably the foot section 10, is welded-or otherwise secured in air-tight manner a transverse I shelf or flange 85 which .substantiallyspans the :sec-

tion .near its lower edge. The extending .l-ip portion 86 .of the shelf .or flangecarries a strip 'or ribbon'B'l of sealing material, whichmayvbe rubber-like in character, and upon which may restthe loweredge of wall 83-to form. a.sealed joint-capableof stopping passage of any fluid to a point beneath the lid sections. If desired, the joint may be made-secure by means of screws 88 or other-fasteners passed through the flange and the sealing material and anchored in thematerial of the head section fi'fi. With the sectionsso joined and sealed, the compositelid may be applied to :a casket body and sealed thereto circumferentially in a manner previously set forth herein. The connection illustrated byFig. 18 isbut oneof many possible connections suited to the situation, and is therefore .not to be understood :as limiting the present invention.

In-the broadest sense, the present invention involves the sealing of a burial casket-quickly and at very little expense, by simply stretching an endless resilient band or ring all the way around the casket, in tensioned condition, in covering relationship to the line contact of the lid-upon thebodyof the casket. Inthe most desirable .form of the invention, the line of contact just mentioned is flanked by agroove coextensive therewith, providing a seat for the band or ring which is known also as a sealing element. lloobtain the most effective seal, the

sealing element should be of a cross-sectional shape which is complementary to the shape .of thegroove. It will therefore be understood that variousshapes ofsealing elements can be employed, provided that 'the'circumferential seat orgrooveis properly-shaped to .favor .close or snug fitting of the-sealing element therein. No toolsare required .to complete the sealing operation, unless-the sealing element is of the reinforcing core variety of Figs. 4, 9, and 10, or the equivalent thereof. When the sealing element includes a core or spine of Wire or the like, the sealing .elementpreferably will 'be in the form of a long strip having opposite ends to be'joined in the groove around the casket. That is, the strip'will .be slightly longer than the perimeter of the casket at the circumferential groove, so that upon .applyingthe strip to the groove the elastic cover of the strip may be pushed back to expose the ends of the core, whereupon'the core ends .may be twisted together or otherwise joined while atf-the same time tensioning the sealing element in 'the groove. "Thereafter, the elastic cover where previously pushedback, should be'returne'dto the initial position in icovering relation tothe oint.

.If the coreisof the metal strap variety, such as disclosed by Figs. 4 and 10, a band strapping .connectortool of known .construction may .be used intensioning andjoining theends ofthe sealing element .afterit has been-disposed about the casket in the circumferential groove. The elastic cover-should be pushed back to expose the .core ends, .and restored to original position after the connection has been made, as explained in the next preceding paragraph.

It should .be unders-toodthatsealing elements shapedsubstantially in accordance with Figs. 5, 6, '7 and 11, may be furnished with reinforcing :cores or spines if desired, and if reinforced with a non-stretchable:core, the sealing element pref- :erably will be in the formof a long strip, rather than an endless band, as the latter form might be difficult totapplyzin thercase of casketsxor ilids havingxenlarged mouldings or. rims. .The: nature :of the =:material :forming the :core. or spine .may determine the method or meansiuse'd inconnecting the ends of the sealing element and establishing the necessary tension thereof within the circumferential groove. In most instances, the outer portion of the sealing element preferably is of rubber, or a rubber-like resilient material such as the flexible or resilient plastics which are highly impervious. In the case of the endless band type of sealing element, resiliency is a necessary characteristic of the material forming the band, whereas in the case of the long strip type of sealing element requiring end connection, flexibility is the most important characteristic. I The operation of the device is as follows:

Assuming a full couch 'type' of casket, as illustrated by Fig. 1, the mortician simply closes the casket lid after the funeral services are concluded, and applies the stretchable endless sealing element to the circumferential groove at the lid and body joint as heretofore explained. If the sealing element is of the non-stretchable variety or one wherein the core is without longitudinal resiliency, the sealing element is applied as a long strip and the ends thereof are connected while tension is applied to the strip, thereby causing the sealing element to rest firmly within the groove to seal'the joint'between the lid andthe casket 'body'. The foregoing alternative operations are the final operations on any type of burial casket to be sealed, whether or not it includes side wings and/or a divided lid.

In the divided lid type of casket, the procedure above explained is performed after the lid sections are securely joined together lengthwise. That is, following conclusion of the funeral services, the mortician will close the wings, if any, and will thereupon proceed to join the lid sections together lengthwise, with the formation of a tight impervious joint where the inner ends of the sections meet. This may-be accomplished in the manner of Figs. 17 or 18, or the equivalent theree of or an alternative procedure would be to gasket one or both of the lid ends, along the general idea suggested by Fig. 16,-and then secure the lid ends together in flatwise contact by means of suitable mechanical fasteners, or even by means .of a cement or adhesive. As hereinbefore stated, the fasteners utilized for this purpose may be of any acceptable type, including .bolts, clamps, sheet-metal-or other screws, latches of one form .or another, or some of the more or less uncommon but highly effective forms of fasteners known as blind rivets, explosive rivets, or others which automatically are clinched or set in an instant by means of special small tools. The material of which the lid sections are constructed, may be a factor in determining the nature of the fastening means employed, of course.

After the lid sections are firmly joined together lengthwise as above explained, with the formation of a tight joint between the ends thereof, the assembled lid as a single unitary structure is then brought down to rest upon the body of the casket, and the resulting circumferential joint may then be sealed in accordance with the methods outlined in the preceding paragraphs relating to circumferential sealing. It will be understood of course, that the lid unit preferably is held firmly in place, in closing position upon the casket body, by means of the usual latches, clamps, screws, or some formof mechanical fastener. The lid unit may or may not be hinged to the casket body, as desired.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the cross-sectional shape of the sealing element and the complementary seat therefor on the casket structure, are

subject to considerable modification within the scope of the present invention. This is true also of the manner in which the circumferential and transverse sealing elements are secured in place, and the manner of joining the lid sections in the case of the divided lid. Various other modifications and changes in structural details, and in the nature of the materials used, may be resorted to, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A burial casket construction comprising in combination, a main body section having a circumferential rim, the outer upper edge of which is inclined inwardly and upwardly all around the body section to furnish part of a circumferential gasket seat, a lid member including a rim adapted to overlie the circumferential rim of the body section when the lid is closed thereon, the rim of the lid member having a lower outer edge inwardly and downwardly inclined all around the lid member to furnish the remaining part of the circumferential gasket seat, the innermost limits of said inclinations at the edges of the rims meeting on a parting line at the joint formed between the body section and the lid member when closed thereon, a gasket in the form of an endless resilient band of rubber-like material the circumference of which when unstretched is less than the circumference of the casket body rim at the parting line aforesaid, whereby stretching of the band is required for seating thereof within the circumferential gasket seat in a tensioned, condition when the lid member is closed upon the body section, the band including areas to simultaneously cover the parting line and firmly abut in sealing contact the aforesaid areas of inclination on both the body section and the lid member at opposite sides of the parting line, said band having an initial inner configuration corresponding substantially with the contour of the gasket seat as determined by the areas of inclination aforesaid when the lid member rim is closed upon the body section rim.

-2. A burial casket construction in accordance with claim 1, wherein the endless band constituting the gasket is of approximately the same width as the gasket seat formed by the areas of inclinationof the body section and the lid member, when the-lid member rim is closed upon the body section rim.

3. A burial casket construction in accordance with claim 1, wherein the endless band constituting the gasket is dimensioned for substantially complete confinement within the limits of the gasket seat established by closing the lid member upon the body section.

4. Aburial casket construction comprising in combination, a main body section having a circumferential rim, the outer upper edge of which is inwardly and upwardly inclined all around the body section to furnish part of a circumferential gasket seat, a lid member including a rim adapted to overlie the circumferential rim and also the inclined outer upper edge of the body section, the rim of the lid member being substantially parallel to the rim of the body section when the lid memher is closed upon the body section with the rims in substantial abutment, the space between the lid member rim and the inwardly and upwardly inclined ortion of the body section rim constituting the full extent of the circumferential gasket seat in the closed position of the lid member, a gasket in the form of an endless resilient band of rubber-*likematerial the circumference of which is less than that of the casket body rim at the joint formed between the rims when the lid member is closed, whereby stretching of the band is required for seatin thereof within the circumferential gasket seat in a tensioned condition after the lid member is closed upon the body section, the band including areas to simultaneously cover the joint aforesaid and firmly abut in sealing contact the area of inclination of the body section and the adjacent overlying area of the lid member rim, at opposite sides of the joint, said band having an initial configuration corresponding substantially with the contour of the gasket seat as determined by the rim areas flanking the joint when the lid member rim is closed upon the rim of the body section.

5. A burial casket construction according to claim 4, wherein the endless band constituting the gasket is dimensioned for substantially complete confinement within the limits of the gasket seat established by closing the lid member upon the body section.

6. A burial casket construction comprising in combination, a main body section having a circumferential rim which is substantially planar, a lid member including a rim adapted to overlie the circumferential rim of the body section all around the body section, said lid member rim having a lower outer edge inwardly and downwardly inclined all around the lid member to provide an oblioue ledge overlying the planar rim of the body section and forming therewith a circumferential gasket seat when the lid member is closed upon the body section, the innermost limit of the inclined ledge meeting the planar rim of the lid member along a parting line at the joint formed between the body section and the lid when closed thereon, a gasket in the form of an endless resil ent band of rubber-like material the c rcum erence of which when unstretched is less than the circu ference of the casket body rim at the artin line aforesaid, whereby stretching of the band is re uired for seating thereof within the circumferential gasket seat in a tensioned condition when the l d member is closed upon the bodv section, the band including areas to simultaneous y cover the partin line and firmlv abut in sealin contact the inclined ledge of the lid member r m and the adiacent lanar area of the bodv section rim at o osite sides of the parting line. when the lid member s closed u on the body section. said band having an initial inner confi ration c rresponding substantially with the contour of the asket seat established by closing of the lid member upon the body section of the casket.

'7. A b rial casket construction comprising in combination. a main body section having a circumferent al r m hich is substantially planar. a lid member including a rim adapted to overlie the circumferent al rim of the body section all around t e bod section, said lid member rim having a lower outer ed e inwardly and downwardly inc ned all around the-lid member to provide an obiioue led e overlvin the planar rim of the body section and forming therewith a circumferent al gasket seat wedge-shaped in cross-section when the l d member is closed upon the body section, the innermost limit of the inclined ledge meeting the planar rim of the lid member along a parting line at the joint formed between the body section and the lid when closed thereon, a gasket in the form of an endless resilient band of rubber-like material the circumference of which when unstretched is less than the circumference of the casket body rim at the parting line aforesaid, whereby stretching of the band is required for seating thereof within the circumferential gasket seat in a tensioned condition when the lid member is closed upon the body section, the band being wedge-shaped in cross-section and including areas to simultaneously cover the parting line and firmly abut in sealing contact the inclined ledge of the lid member and the adjacent planar area of the body section rim at opposite sides of the parting line, when the lid member is closed upon the body section, said band having an initia1 inner configuration corresponding substantially with the contour of the gasket seat established by closing of the lid member upon the body section of the casket.

8. A burial casket construction comprising in combination, a main body section having a circumferential rim which is substantially planar, a lid member including a rim adapted to overlie the circ mferential rim of the body section all around the body section, said l d member rim having a lower outer edge inwardly and downwardly inclined all around the'lid member to provide an oblidue ledge overlying the planar rim of the bodv section and formin there ith a circumferential asket seat when the lid member is closed up n the body section, the innermost limit of the inclined led e meet n the planar rim of the lid member alon a partin line at the .ioint formed bet een the bodv sect on and the lid when closed thereon. a asket in the f r of an end ess resillent hand of rubber-like material the circumferen e of which when unstretohed is less t an the c rc mfe ence of t e cas et bodv rim at the partin line aforesaid. w ereb stretehi-na of the band, s re u red f r seatin there f within the c reum erent al e a slzet seat in a tens oned eondition wh n the. "lirl m m r is c osed noon t e -1 qpnfjnYL thp 'hnhrl innln 'mr ave-actn simultanemmlv nvor the nqrtinrr line and firml abut i sea in cont t the incline le e oi the lid i emher r m and the, adia ent anar a ea of the hodv set-tion r m at Olinnei'tq sides of the parting line, wh n the l d mem r is closed "non th bodv sect on, said band havin an init al inner nonfirrnratinn correspondinggnhstantiallv with the conto r of the asket seat established by c o n of th lid me b r moon the h dv cor-Hon the. casket. and t e mass of said hand being l m t d for substantially; complete cflhfi nnmpjnt within the limits of the gasket seat so established.

SAM RICHMOND.

REFERENCES CITED The fo lowin references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Num er Name Date 147.929 Gaines Feb. 24. 1874 241.204 Fry May 10, 1881 293.035 Jones Feb. 5. 1884 794.920 Blanchard July 18, 1905 1.486.384 King Mar. 11, 1924 2,183.049 Schoiner Dec. 12, 1939 2.519.633 Brown et al Aug. 22, 1950 2,535,634 Hubbard Dec. 26, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 420,046 Great Britain Nov. 23, 1934 554.376 Great Britain July 1, 1943 807,850 France Oct. 26, 1936 

